Three years after Simone Biles highlighted athlete mental health at the Tokyo Olympics, the Paris 2024 Games are set to showcase significant improvements in care and support. Biles’ withdrawal from most events in Tokyo due to mental health challenges underscored the need for better resources.
Paris 2024 will feature the first-ever mindfulness and relaxation area known as “365 Athlete365 Mind Zone”
Paris 2024, beginning on July 26, will feature the first-ever “mindfulness and relaxation area” in the Olympic Village, known as the “365 Athlete365 Mind Zone.” Athletes will have access to virtual reality headsets for meditation, sleep pods, and art activities in a serene, low-light environment designed to promote relaxation.
Enhanced athlete experience
“We aim to ensure athletes have the best possible experience,” said Kirsty Burrows, Head of Safe Sport at the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The village will also offer an alcohol-free bar, social areas, and guidelines for maintaining mental health, including advice on reducing screen time.
A multilingual mental health helpline will be available to all Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Approximately 90 national teams will bring mental health welfare officers, thanks to a new accreditation introduced at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.
Addressing mental health in sports
Research indicates that elite athletes face mental health challenges similar to the general population but are more susceptible to anxiety and depression due to intense pressures. Marion Leboyer, founder of FondaMental, noted that “around one in three athletes experiences symptoms of a mental health problem.”
High-profile athletes like Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Ian Thorpe have openly discussed their struggles, encouraging others to do the same. Slovenian rock climber Janja Garnbret has spoken out about anorexia in her sport, prompting health checks by the International Climbing Federation.
Paris 2024 will also combat cyber-harassment with AI-powered monitoring of social media
Paris 2024 will also combat cyber-harassment with AI-powered monitoring of social media. The IOC will collaborate with London-based Signify.ai to identify and address abusive posts directed at athletes. “Anything breaching the criminal code will be sent to law enforcement,” Burrows explained.
All 15,000 Olympic and Paralympic athletes can opt into this service, marking a significant step forward in protecting athletes from online abuse.